Graduation and Commencement

If you are not sure if you are ready for graduation, please contact your program director or your advisor.

Did you complete all your courses?

• Make sure you have successfully completed all the required courses for your program as outlined in the curriculum. This includes both major-specific courses and any general education requirements.

Do you meet the credit requirements?

• Verify that you have earned the required number of credits as specified by your program. 

Are you in good academic standing? 

• Ensure that you have maintained the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) required for your program. Your GPA is a reflection of your academic performance throughout your time at Saint Mary’s University.
• Bachelor Completion students are in good academic standing when the student’s minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) is 2.0 or higher.
• A graduate student is in good academic standing when the student’s minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) is 3.0 or higher.

• Undergo a final degree audit conducted by the registrar’s office to ensure that all graduation requirements have been met. This audit will review your academic records and confirm your eligibility for graduation.
• Link to Nest
• How to get to degree Audit
• How do you know it’s been processed?
  • Final grades in
  • All courses completed
  • Meet gpa requirements
  • Graduation application filled out
  • Wait about 3 weeks
  • An email will be sent to your SMU email address saying your degree has been processed/audited

• Ready to take the next step toward graduation? Complete your graduation application today! Simply click the link below to access the online application form and notify us of your intent to graduate. If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Registrar’s team. We’re here to help you every step of the way as you prepare to embark on this exciting milestone in your academic journey.
• Graduation application

• Purpose: The graduation application serves as a formal notification from the student to the university of their intent to graduate, confirming that they have met or will meet all the requirements for graduation. It initiates the process of diploma issuance, triggers a degree audit to ensure completion of all graduation requirements, and assists in planning for the graduation ceremony. Additionally, it serves as an official record of the student’s intent to graduate, aiding in administrative tasks such as verifying degree completion and updating academic records. Overall, the graduation application is a crucial step in the graduation process, facilitating communication between the student and the institution and ensuring a smooth transition to post-graduation endeavors.
• The graduation application is more than just a formality—it’s a critical step in your journey towards graduation. By submitting the graduation application, you:
  • Formally Notify the University: You inform the university of your intent to graduate, confirming that you’ve met or will meet all graduation requirements.
  • Initiate Diploma Issuance: The application triggers the process of diploma issuance, ensuring you receive your hard-earned degree.
  • Trigger a Degree Audit: A degree audit is initiated to ensure completion of all graduation requirements, giving you peace of mind knowing you’re on track.
  • Assist in Planning for the Ceremony: Your application helps in planning for the graduation ceremony, a memorable event celebrating your achievements.
  • Officially Record Your Intent: It serves as an official record of your intent to graduate, aiding in administrative tasks like verifying degree completion and updating academic records.

Overall, the graduation application is a crucial step that facilitates communication between you and the institution, ensuring a smooth transition to your post-graduation endeavors.

• Deadline: Date
• location/steps to apply, How to complete the application

We would like to inform you that Saint Mary’s University has partnered with Jostens for the procurement and delivery of your graduation diplomas. As part of this partnership, Jostens will be responsible for processing diploma orders and providing tracking information for your convenience.

Here’s what you need to know:

Diploma needs to be paid in full

• Payment for the diploma must be completed in full before the order can be processed. Failure to settle any outstanding balance on your account will result in the diploma not being ordered.

The Diploma:

Diplomas and certificates are printed and will be mailed to your diploma delivery address about four to six weeks after graduation. 

• Diplomas are 8.5″ by 11″ except for Doctoral diplomas
• Doctoral diplomas are 14″ by 11″ 

Diploma Ordering Process:

• Upon graduation, SMU will initiate the diploma ordering process with Jostens on your behalf. 
• Your print diploma will be mailed to the address you provided on your Graduation Application and will take about four to six weeks after graduation. 
• You will be notified via email once your diploma has been ordered.

Tracking Information:

• Jostens will provide tracking details to your email for your diploma shipment once it has been processed and shipped.

Contact Information:

• For any inquiries regarding diploma tracking or delivery, please contact Jostens directly at [Jostens Customer Service Contact Information].
• If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Registrar’s Office at tcregistrar@smumn.edu.

Thank you for choosing SMU for your academic journey. We congratulate you once again on your accomplishments and wish you continued success in your future endeavors.